In an increasingly networked world identity management is a critical component of online activity. Individuals and organisations need to be aware of their cyberdust.

An extension of our offline, or real, identity, online representation is no longer that which we personally construct or offer for public viewing. “Collaborative identity” (De Rosa, C., Cantrell, J., Havens, A., Hawk, J. & Jenkins, L., 2007) – contributed to by ‘friends’ and ‘followers’ and “interpersonal commentary” (ibid) – display, or share, as much about a person or organisation as the photographs, blog posts and tweets shared purposefully. Networks of association, then, become important representations and constructs of our online identity.

It follows, that managing “virtual identities” (ibid) carries time and consequence on its shoulders. Do you wish to be weighted down, misrepresented, by those with whom you associate? Or, are you comfortable sharing increasing quantities of personal details and data, such as passions, recreational activities, workplace discussions, amusement, likes and dislikes? Remember the Dunbar number? Not only does it become increasingly difficult to sustain relationships with hundreds of ‘friends’, but do you really want that many people knowing that you hate cauliflower and white sauce? Indeed do they care? Do you care that they know?

Therefore the online identity discussion is academic. In reality, it is highly probable that Google already knows not to serve me up said dish via an advertisement as I have never performed an online search for same. Google does, however, know my age, the fact that I recently searched for riding boots, have a number of email addresses and progressively presumes an awful lot about what else I may, or may not, be interested in.

Once more, therefore, the question of how important our personal construction and representation – of ourselves, or our businesses – online, is progressively nullified by the sum total of our online activity, such as ‘searching and surfing’; where every keystroke, interest and comment is recorded by browsers and platforms such as Internet Explorer, Facebook or Google. Thus, in regard to privacy and security of identity, what we don’t search for online is just as important as that which we do.

I believe it is increasingly challenging to “avoid mixing personal and school profiles” (Harris, C., 2010). While ‘shared’ representation amongst personal networks may not be appropriate for organisational representation, an authentic representation of oneself (profiles, contributions, collaborations, respectful use and re-use of information, respectful use of knowledge about others), harnesses the goodwill of Internet communities, whilst remaining vigilant to risks, threats and stalkers.

So, what should we “share” to contribute to the collective knowledge of humanity, Web 2.0 and beyond? Here are my Top 7: